Depiction arrangement

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a depiction arrangement for security papers, value documents, electronic display devices or other data carriers, having a grid image arrangement for depicting a target image ( 40 ) that is broken down into two or more partial target images ( 42, 44 ), having
         a motif image that is subdivided into a plurality of periodically or at least locally periodically arranged cells ( 24 ) in each of which are arranged mapped regions of one or more of the partial target images ( 42, 44 ),   a viewing grid ( 22 ), composed of a plurality of viewing grid elements, that, when the motif image is viewed, reconstructs the complete target image ( 40 ) from the mapped regions arranged in the cells ( 24 ),   the motif image being, independently of the cell subdivision, split into at least first and second microinformation regions ( 60, 62 ) in which the cells each include different combinations of mapped regions of the partial target images ( 40, 42 ), and the microinformation regions ( 60, 62 ) being arranged in the shape of specified image motifs that exhibit information-bearing image patterns whose dimensions are below the resolution limit of the human eye.

The present invention relates to a depiction arrangement for securitypapers, value documents, electronic display devices or other datacarriers for depicting a target image.

For protection, data carriers, such as value or identificationdocuments, but also other valuable articles, such as branded articles,are often provided with security elements that permit the authenticityof the data carrier to be verified, and that simultaneously serve asprotection against unauthorized reproduction. Data carriers within themeaning of the present invention include especially banknotes, stocks,bonds, certificates, vouchers, checks, valuable admission tickets andother papers that are at risk of counterfeiting, such as passports andother identity documents, credit cards, health cards, as well as productprotection elements, such as labels, seals, packaging and the like. Inthe following, the term “data carrier” encompasses all such articles,documents and product protection means.

The security elements can be developed, for example, in the form of asecurity thread embedded in a banknote, a tear strip for productpackaging, an applied security strip, a cover foil for a banknote havinga through opening, or a self-supporting transfer element, such as apatch or a label that, after its manufacture, is applied to a valuedocument.

Here, security elements having optically variable elements that, atdifferent viewing angles, convey to the viewer a different imageimpression play a special role, since these cannot be reproduced evenwith top-quality color copiers. For this, the security elements can befurnished with security features in the form of diffraction-opticallyeffective micro- or nanopatterns, such as with conventional embossedholograms or other hologram-like diffraction patterns, as are described,for example, in publications EP 0 330 733 A1 and EP 0 064 067 A1.

From publication U.S. Pat. No. 5,712,731 A is known the use of a moirémagnification arrangement as a security feature. The security devicedescribed there exhibits a regular arrangement of substantiallyidentical printed microimages having a size up to 250 μm, and a regulartwo-dimensional arrangement of substantially identical sphericalmicrolenses. Here, the microlens arrangement exhibits substantially thesame division as the microimage arrangement. If the microimagearrangement is viewed through the microlens arrangement, then one ormore magnified versions of the microimages are produced for the viewerin the regions in which the two arrangements are substantially inregister.

The fundamental operating principle of such moiré magnificationarrangements is described in the article “The moiré magnifier,” M. C.Hutley, R. Hunt, R. F. Stevens and P. Savander, Pure Appl. Opt. 3(1994), pp. 133-142. In short, according to this article, moirémagnification refers to a phenomenon that occurs when a grid comprisedof identical image objects is viewed through a lens grid havingapproximately the same grid dimension. As with every pair of similargrids, a moiré pattern results that, in this case, appears as amagnified and, if applicable, rotated image of the repeated elements ofthe image grid.

Based on that, the object of the present invention is to avoid thedisadvantages of the background art and especially to specify adepiction arrangement of the kind cited above having high counterfeitsecurity.

This object is solved by the depiction arrangement having the featuresof the independent claims. A method for manufacturing such a depictionarrangement, a security paper, a data carrier and an electronic displayarrangement having such depiction arrangements are specified in thecoordinated claims. Developments of the present invention are thesubject of the dependent claims.

According to the present invention, a generic depiction arrangementincludes a grid image arrangement for displaying a target image that isbroken down into two or more partial target images, having

-   -   a motif image that is subdivided into a plurality of        periodically or at least locally periodically arranged cells in        each of which are arranged mapped regions of one or more of the        partial target images,    -   a viewing grid, composed of a plurality of viewing grid        elements, that, when the motif image is viewed, reconstructs the        complete target image from the mapped regions arranged in the        cells,    -   the motif image being, independently of the cell subdivision,        split into at least first and second microinformation regions in        which the cells each include different combinations of mapped        regions of the partial target images, and the microinformation        regions being arranged in the shape of specified image motifs        that exhibit information-bearing image patterns whose dimensions        are below the resolution limit of the human eye.

The present invention is thus based on the idea of hiding a higher-levelsecurity feature in the form of a specified image motif within the motifimage through a splitting of the target image into multiple partialtarget images and a suitable arrangement of the cells associated withthe partial target images. In this way, the counterfeit security of thedepiction arrangement can be significantly increased without impairingthe visual appearance of the depicted target image upon viewing. Sincethe dimensions of the information-bearing image patterns of thespecified image motif are below the resolution limit of the eye, thatis, in ranges below about an angular minute, the image motif forms,within the motif image, a code that is non-visible with naked eye andthat can be detected, for example, with a microscope.

The microinformation regions according to the present invention eachpreferably extend across multiple cells of the motif image. Here, themicroinformation regions can each be composed of a plurality of cells ofthe motif image. However, the microinformation regions are preferablydeveloped having an arbitrary shape differing from the cell subdivision,and then at least partially intersect the cell boundaries of the motifimage cells.

In advantageous embodiments, the information-bearing image patternsexhibit dimensions that are below about 100 μm, such that said imagepatterns cannot be resolved by the human eye at a viewing distance ofabout 30 cm, and when viewed with the viewing grid, the reconstructedpartial target images of the first and second microinformation regionsare superimposed to form the target image for the human eye.

The information-bearing patterns are advantageously present in the formof pixels or lines. In their totality, they form the specified imagemotif.

In advantageous embodiments, the microinformation regions are arrangedin the form of alphanumeric characters, an alphanumeric characterstring, for example a text, or a logo. The microinformation regionsarranged in the form of alphanumeric characters advantageously exhibit alateral dimension of 300 μm or less, preferably of 200 μm or less, andparticularly preferably of 150 μm or less. Thus, the dimensions of theinformation-bearing image patterns of the alphanumeric characters, thatis, the line widths, are below the resolution limit of the human eye, assaid line widths are generally about 1/10 to ⅓ of the lateral dimensionsof the alphanumeric characters.

In advantageous embodiments, it is appropriate that the image motifs ofthe microinformation regions periodically repeat within the motif image.In other advantageous embodiments, the image motifs of themicroinformation regions within the motif image repeat in irregularsequence.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the first andsecond microinformation regions each arranged in different specifiedregions within the motif image differ from each other, such that thehidden image motifs of the respective microinformation regions changeover the expanse of the motif image. In this way, it is possible toprovide in the motif image, with the same visual appearance of thedepicted target image, multiple different codes that are non-visiblewith the naked eye.

In an advantageous, particularly simple embodiment, the cells of themotif image each include mapped regions of only one of the partialtarget images, the first and second microinformation regions includingmapped regions of different partial target images.

In an advantageous variant of the present invention, the depictionarrangement constitutes a moiré magnification arrangement in which themapped regions of the cells of the motif image each constitutescaled-down images of the partial target images, which are completelyaccommodated within one cell. Here, the arrangement of cells of themotif image and/or of the viewing grid advantageously exhibits, in itsperiodic or at least locally periodic regions, no axis of symmetry inthe plane of the arrangement or of the grid. In another preferredembodiment, upon tilting the depiction arrangement, the complete targetimage moves in a specified direction that, with the tilt direction,encloses an angle y not equal to 0° and not equal to 90°. In a furtherpreferred embodiment, the arrangement of cells of the motif image andthe viewing grid form dissimilar lattices that are coordinated with eachother in such a way that, upon tilting the depiction arrangement, anorthoparallactic movement effect of the target image occurs.

In an alternative, likewise advantageous variant of the presentinvention, the depiction arrangement constitutes a micro-opticalmoiré-type magnification arrangement in which the mapped regions ofmultiple spaced-apart cells of the motif image, taken together, depictsin each case a scaled-down image of one of the partial target images,whose dimension is larger than one cell of the motif image.

While, in the above-mentioned moiré magnification arrangements, themapped regions of the cells of the motif image each constitutescaled-down images of the partial target images that must fit completelyin one cell of the motif image, this is not required in modulomagnification arrangements. According to a further, likewiseadvantageous variant of the present invention, the depiction arrangementthus constitutes a modulo magnification arrangement in which the mappedregions of the cells of the motif image each constitute non-completesections, mapped by a modulo operation, of one or more of the partialtarget images.

All described variants can be executed having two-dimensional viewingelement grids, especially lens grids, in lattice arrangements ofarbitrary low or high symmetry or in cylindrical lens arrangements. Allarrangements can also be calculated for curved surfaces, as described inprinciple in publication WO 2007/076952 A2, the disclosure of which isincorporated in the present application by reference.

In a preferred embodiment, the viewing elements of the viewing grid arearranged periodically or locally periodically, the local periodparameters in the latter case preferably changing only slowly inrelation to the periodicity length. Here, the periodicity length or thelocal periodicity length is especially between 3 μm and 50 μm,preferably between 5 μm and 30 μm, particularly preferably between about10 μm and about 20 μm. Also an abrupt change in the periodicity lengthis possible if it was previously kept constant or nearly constant over asegment that is large compared with the periodicity length, for examplefor more than 20, 50 or 100 periodicity lengths.

The viewing elements can be formed by non-cylindrical microlenses orconcave microreflectors, especially by microlenses or concavemicroreflectors having a circular or polygonally delimited base area, oralso by elongated cylindrical lenses or concave cylindrical reflectorswhose dimension in the longitudinal direction is more than 250 μm,preferably more than 300 μm, particularly preferably more than 500 μmand especially more than 1 mm. In further preferred variants of thepresent invention, the viewing elements are formed by circularapertures, slit apertures, circular or slit apertures provided withreflectors, aspherical lenses, Fresnel lenses, GRIN (Gradient RefractiveIndex) lenses, zone plates, holographic lenses, concave reflectors,Fresnel reflectors, zone reflectors or other elements having a focusingor also masking effect.

In an advantageous variant of the present invention, the viewing gridand the motif image of the depiction arrangement are firmly joinedtogether and, in this way, form a security element having a stacked,spaced-apart viewing grid and motif image. The motif image and theviewing grid are advantageously arranged at opposing surfaces of anoptical spacing layer. The security element can especially be a securitythread, a tear strip, a security band, a security strip, a patch or alabel for application to a security paper, value or identificationdocument or the like. The total thickness of the security element ispreferentially below 50 μm, preferably below 30 μm and particularlypreferably below 20 μm.

According to another, likewise advantageous variant of the presentinvention, the viewing grid and the motif image of the depictionarrangement are arranged at different positions of a data carrier insuch a way that the viewing grid and the motif image are stackable forself-authentication, and form a security element in the stacked state.The viewing grid and the motif image are especially stackable bybending, creasing, buckling or folding the data carrier.

According to a further, likewise advantageous variant of the presentinvention, the motif image is displayed by an electronic display deviceand the viewing grid is firmly joined with the electronic display devicefor viewing the displayed motif image. Instead of being firmly joinedwith the electronic display device, the viewing grid can also be aseparate viewing grid that is bringable onto or in front of theelectronic display device for viewing the displayed motif image.

In the context of this description, the security element can thus beformed both by a viewing grid and motif image that are firmly joinedtogether, as a permanent security element, and by a viewing grid thatexists spatially separately and an associated motif image, the twoelements forming, upon stacking, a temporarily perceptible securityelement.

The present invention also includes a method for manufacturing adepiction arrangement of the kind described, in which

-   -   a target image to be depicted is broken down into two or more        partial target images,    -   in a motif plane, a motif image is produced that is subdivided        into a plurality of periodically or at least locally        periodically arranged cells in each of which are arranged mapped        regions of one or more of the partial target images,    -   a viewing grid composed of a plurality of viewing grid elements        is produced that, when the motif image is viewed, reconstructs        the complete target image from the mapped regions arranged in        the cells,    -   the motif image being, independently of the cell subdivision,        split into at least first and second microinformation regions in        which the cells are each filled with different combinations of        mapped regions of the partial target images, and the        microinformation regions being arranged in the shape of        specified image motifs that exhibit information-bearing image        patterns whose dimensions are below the resolution limit of the        human eye.

In all aspects of the present invention, the security element producedby the joining of the viewing grid and the motif image preferablyconstitutes a security thread, a tear strip, a security band, a securitystrip, a patch or a label for application to a security paper, value oridentification document or the like. In an advantageous embodiment, thesecurity element can span a transparent or gap region of a data carrier.Here, different appearances can be realized on different sides of thedata carrier. Also two-sided designs can be used in which viewing gridsare arranged on both sides of a motif image.

Further, the motif image can advantageously be displayed by anelectronic display device. Here, for viewing the displayed motif image,the viewing grid can be firmly joined with the electronic display deviceor can be a separate viewing grid that is bringable onto or in front ofthe electronic display device.

The inventive grid image arrangements for depicting the target imagethat is broken down into two or more partial target images can becombined with at least one further grid image arrangement for depictingthe target image that is not broken down into partial target images.Further, the grid image arrangements according to the present inventioncan also be combined with other security features, for example withdiffractive patterns, with hologram patterns in all embodiment variants,metalized or not metalized, with subwavelength patterns, metalized ornot metalized, with subwavelength lattices, with layer systems thatdisplay a color shift upon tilting, semitransparent or opaque, withdiffractive optical elements, with refractive optical elements, such asprism-type beam shapers, with special types of holes, with securityfeatures having a specifically adjusted electrical conductivity, withincorporated materials having a magnetic code, with materials having aphosphorescent, fluorescent or luminescent effect, with securityfeatures based on liquid crystals, with matte patterns, withmicromirrors, with elements having a window-blind effect, or withsawtooth patterns. Further security features with which the grid imagearrangements according to the present invention can be combined arespecified in publication WO 2005/052650 A2 on pages 71 to 73; these areincorporated in the present description by reference.

Finally, the present invention also includes a security paper formanufacturing security or value documents, such as banknotes, checks,identification cards, certificates and the like, having a depictionarrangement of the kind described above. The present invention furtherincludes a data carrier, especially a branded article, a value document,a decorative article, such as packaging, postcards or the like, having adepiction arrangement of the kind described above. Here, the viewinggrid and/or the motif image of the depiction arrangement can be arrangedcontiguously, on sub-areas or in a window region of the data carrier.

The present invention also relates to an electronic display arrangementhaving an electronic display device, especially a computer or televisionscreen, a control device and a depiction arrangement of the kinddescribed above. Here, the control device is designed and set to displaythe motif image of the depiction arrangement on the electronic displaydevice. Here, the viewing grid for viewing the displayed motif image canbe firmly joined with the electronic display device or can be a separateviewing grid that is bringable onto or in front of the electronicdisplay device for viewing the displayed motif image.

Further exemplary embodiments and advantages of the present inventionare described below with reference to the drawings. To improve clarity,a depiction to scale and proportion is dispensed with in the drawings.

Shown are:

FIG. 1 a schematic diagram of a banknote having an embedded securitythread and an affixed transfer element,

FIG. 2 schematically, the layer structure of a security elementaccording to the present invention, in cross section,

FIG. 3 highly schematically, a modulo magnification arrangement fordefining the different planes,

FIG. 4 in (a), as the target image to be depicted, a cross motif that isbroken down into the two partial target images shown in (b), and in (c),a specified lens array having spherical microlenses that are arranged ina simple, rotated square lattice,

FIG. 5 in (a) and (b), in each case, a section of the periodicarrangements of the micromotif elements associated with the partialtarget images in FIG. 4( b), in a motif grid U,

FIG. 6 in (a) an inventive split of the motif image into first andsecond microinformation regions, in (b), schematically, the arrangementof the micromotif elements, filled in differently for illustration, inthe first and second microinformation regions, and in (c), theappearance of the finished motif image without the additionalhighlightings of the different regions, and

FIG. 7 in (a) to (c), a depiction as in FIG. 6 for an exemplaryembodiment in which the split of the motif image into microinformationregions does not follow the orientation of the motif image cells.

The invention will now be explained using the example of securityelements for banknotes. For this, FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of abanknote 10 that is provided with two security elements 12 and 16according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The firstsecurity element constitutes a security thread 12 that emerges atcertain window regions 14 at the surface of the banknote 10, while it isembedded in the interior of the banknote 10 in the regions lyingtherebetween. The second security element is formed by an affixedtransfer element 16 of arbitrary shape. The security element 16 can alsobe developed in the form of a cover foil that is arranged over a windowregion or a through opening in the banknote. The security element can bedesigned for viewing in top view, looking through, or for viewing bothin top view and looking through. Also two-sided designs can be used inwhich lens grids are arranged on both sides of a motif image.

Both the security thread 12 and the transfer element 16 can include amoiré-magnification arrangement, a moiré-type micro-opticalmagnification arrangement or a modulo magnification arrangementaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Since thelatter includes the moiré magnification arrangements and the moiré-typemagnification arrangements as special cases, in the following, thegeneral term modulo magnification arrangements is used when one of theseembodiments is being addressed.

FIG. 2 shows schematically the layer structure of a security elementaccording to the present invention, in cross section, with only theportions of the layer structure that are required to explain thefunctional principle being depicted. The security element includes asubstrate 20 in the form of a transparent plastic foil, in the exemplaryembodiment a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) foil about 20 μm thick.The top of the carrier foil 20 is provided with a grid-shapedarrangement of microlenses 22 that form, on the surface of the carrierfoil, a two-dimensional Bravais lattice having a prechosen symmetry. TheBravais lattice can exhibit, for example, a hexagonal lattice symmetry.However, also other, especially lower, symmetries and thus more generalshapes are possible, such as the symmetry of a parallelogram lattice.

The spacing of adjacent microlenses 22 is preferably chosen to be assmall as possible in order to ensure as high an areal coverage aspossible and thus a high-contrast depiction. The spherically oraspherically designed microlenses 22 preferably exhibit a diameterbetween 5 μm and 50 μm, and especially a diameter between merely 10 μmand 35 μm, and are thus not perceptible with the naked eye. It isunderstood that, in other designs, also larger or smaller dimensions maybe used. For example, the microlenses in modulo magnificationarrangements can exhibit, for decorative purposes, a diameter between 50μm and 5 mm, while in modulo magnification arrangements that are to bedecodable only with a magnifier or a microscope, also dimensions below 5μm can be used.

On the bottom of the carrier foil 20 is arranged a motif layer 26 thatincludes a motif image, subdivided into a plurality of cells 24, havingmotif image elements 28. The arrangement of the lattice cells 24likewise forms a two-dimensional Bravais lattice having a prechosensymmetry.

Here, in the case of a moiré magnification arrangement, the Bravaislattice of the lattice cells 24 differs slightly in its symmetry and/orin the size of its lattice parameters from the Bravais lattice of themicrolenses 22, as indicated in FIG. 2 by the offset of the latticecells 24 with respect to the microlenses 22. Depending on the type andsize of the relative difference in the symmetry and/or in the latticeparameters of the Bravais lattices used, a moiré-magnified image of themotif image elements 28 is created when the motif image is viewed.

Here, the lattice period and the diameter of the lattice cells 24 are onthe same order of magnitude as those of the microlenses 22, sopreferably in the range from 5 μm to 50 μm and especially in the rangefrom 10 μm to 35 μm, such that also the motif image elements 28themselves are not perceptible with the naked eye. In designs having theabove-mentioned larger or smaller microlenses, of course also thelattice cells 24 are developed to be larger or smaller, accordingly.

The optical thickness of the carrier foil 20 and the focal length of themicrolenses 22 are coordinated with each other in such a way that themotif layer 26 is located approximately the lens focal length away. Thecarrier foil 20 thus forms an optical spacing layer that ensures adesired constant separation of the microlenses 22 and the motif layer 26having the motif image.

FIG. 3 shows, schematically, a modulo magnification arrangement 30, notdepicted to scale, having a motif plane 32 in which the motif image withits motif image elements, arranged in cells, is located, and having alens plane 34 in which a microlens grid is provided. The modulomagnification arrangement 30 produces an image plane 36 in which thetarget image perceived by the viewer 38 appears. For a more preciseexplanation of the functional principle and the properties of moirémagnification arrangements, micro-optical moiré-type magnificationarrangements and of modulo magnification arrangements, reference is madeto German patent applications 10 2005 062 132.5 and 10 2007 029 203.3,and to international applications PCT/EP2006/012374, PCT/EP2008/005173and PCT/EP2008/005172, the disclosures of which are incorporated in thepresent application by reference.

In the following, for the sake of simpler graphical illustration, thepresent invention is explained largely using the example of a moirémagnification arrangement in which the scaled-down images, arranged inthe cells of the motif image, of the target image 40 or of the partialtarget images 42, 44 (FIG. 4) are each completely accommodated withinone cell.

With reference to FIG. 4, FIG. 4( a) shows, as the target image to bedepicted, a cross motif 40. According to the present invention, thecross motif 40 is broken down into multiple, for example, two, partialtarget images 42 and 44, as shown in FIG. 4( b), that, stacked in theright orientation and position, yield the complete target image.

Further, FIG. 4( c) shows a specified lens array having sphericalmicrolenses 46 that are arranged in a simple, rotated square lattice,the lens grid 48 having quadratic lattice cells 50. Here, the lens grid48 can be described by a lens grid matrix W, as explained in detail inthe above-specified German and international applications.

For the sake of simple illustration, in the exemplary embodiment, themagnification and movement behavior of the security element is specifiedin the form of a transformation matrix

$A = \begin{pmatrix}v & 0 \\0 & v\end{pmatrix}$

which describes a pure magnification by a factor v. In general, upontilting the depiction arrangement in different directions, the matrix Acan describe, besides a magnification behavior, also a movementbehavior, reference being made, for a more precise illustration, to theabove-cited German and international applications, which include anumber of examples for different movement patterns.

By applying the inverse matrix A⁻¹ to the partial target images 42 and44, the micromotif elements 52 and 54 to be arranged in the motif imageare obtained (FIG. 5). Here, the motif grid U in which the micromotifelements 52, 54 are to be arranged results in

U=(I−A ⁻¹)·W

with the identity matrix I (see for example equation (M2) in DE 10 2007029 203.3).

FIG. 5 shows, in each of (a) and (b), a section of the periodicarrangements 56, 58 of the micromotif elements 52 and 54 in the motifgrid U, which are referred to in the following as partial motif grids 56and 58. Here, only for the sake of better distinguishability are themicromotif elements 52 shown filled in and the micromotif elements 54not filled in. What is key here is that the micromotif elements 52 and54 that correspond to the partial target images 42, 44 are arranged inthe same grid U in which, in a conventional moiré magnificationarrangement, the micromotif element that corresponds to the completetarget image 40 would be arranged. In other words, the two partial motifgrids 56, 58 exhibit the same arrangement grid U, since for both partialmotif grids, the same magnification and movement matrix A is used.Likewise important is that no phase jumps occur between the partialmotif grids 56, 58. In this way it is ensured that the micromotifelements 52 and 54 in the two partial motif grids 56, 58 are alwaysarranged in the correct phase relationship for the superimposition toform the complete target motif.

A further advantage is achieved through the split of the complete targetmotif into partial motifs: The individual micromotif elements 52 and 54are, namely, easier to manufacture with the desired precision than acomplete, scaled-down image of the cross motif 40, since, in the centerof the elements, only two triangle tips touch in each case, rather thanfour. The precise manufacture of the micromotif elements of moiré orgenerally of modulo magnification arrangements is fundamentally no easytask, since the lateral dimensions of the lattice cells of the motifimage are typically significantly below 100 μm and especially betweenabout 10 μm and about 35 μm.

Regular imprecisions in the micromotif elements, as can be created, forexample, by a continuous offset of the tips of the triangles of thecross motif 40, are moiré magnified when the motif image is viewed withthe viewing grid and can severely disrupt the visual appearance of thetarget image. The suggested split of the target image into partialtarget images thus offers, besides the non-visible code described in thefollowing, the additional advantage that it facilitates a more precisemanufacture of the motif image. This aspect can be taken into accountespecially in the type of split into partial target images, in that thespecified target image is broken down into partial target images in sucha way that the images of the individual partial target images exhibitshapes that are as easy to produce as possible.

For this, in the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 4, also, for example, abreakdown into four partial target images may be considered in whicheach partial target image comprises one of the triangles that form thecross motif 40. The micromotif elements that correspond to the partialtarget images can then be produced without converging tips. Reasons forthe simpler manufacture through a suitable split lie in that, amongother things, the dimension of the smallest manufacturable pattern sizeis normally significantly greater than the positioning precision of thepatterns, and moreover, depends on the type of the patterns. So, forexample, the individual triangles of the cross motif 40 can bepositioned highly precisely such that, upon superimposition of thetriangles, the tips meet exactly in the center when viewed.

Generally, a motif image could be composed, for example, alternatinglyof micromotif elements 52 of the partial motif grid 56 and of micromotifelements 54 of the partial motif grid 58. Since the micromotif elements52, 54 are arranged in the same grid U and without phase jumps betweenthe partial motif grids, when viewed with the lens grid 48, asuperimposition of the moiré-magnified partial target images 42, 44 iscreated for the human eye, to form a single motif, the target image 40.Instead of a uniform distribution, through the ratio of the arealcontents having different micromotif elements 52, 54, also the relativeintensity can be controlled with which the various partial target images42, 44 within the complete image are perceived.

According to the present invention, through a suitable split of themotif image into regions having first or second micromotif elements isintroduced into the motif image an additional hidden piece of imageinformation whose information-bearing image patterns, due to their smalldimensions, are not perceptible with the naked eye but can be verified,for example, as a higher-level security feature with a microscope. Forthis, in the exemplary embodiment, the split of the motif image intofirst and second microinformation regions occurs, which is fundamentallyindependent of the cell subdivision. Here, cells having differentmicromotif elements are included in each of the various microinformationregions, such that the microinformation regions can be distinguishedfrom each other when examined closely.

For illustration, FIG. 6 shows, in (a), a split of the motif image intofirst microinformation regions 60 and second microinformation regions62. Here, the first microinformation regions 60 are developed in theshape of the numeral “4”, while the second microinformation regions 62form the surrounding region of the numerals. The shown arrangement ofthe microinformation regions repeats regularly outside the depictedsection, such that a plurality of first and second microinformationregions 60, 62 is distributed over the surface area of the motif image.Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the shown arrangement of themicroinformation regions repeats in irregular sequence within the motifimage.

In the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 6, the microinformation regions 60,62 are each formed from a plurality of cells 64 of the motif image. Toobtain a single, complete motif image from the partial motif grids 56,58 in FIG. 5, the horizontal micromotif elements 54 of the partial motifgrid 58 are arranged in the cells 64 of the first microinformationregions 60, while the vertical micromotif elements 52 of the partialmotif grid 56 are arranged in the second microinformation regions 62.

FIG. 6( b) shows schematically how the micromotif elements 52, 54,filled differently for clarification, are arranged in the first andsecond microinformation regions 60, 62. Here, the cells 64 that form thefirst microinformation regions 60 are additionally drawn in with dottedlines. FIG. 6( c) shows how the finished motif image 66 appears withoutthe additional highlightings of the different regions.

For illustration, the principle according to the present invention isexplained in the following with reference to periodically arranged cellsof a specified size, and it is shown how, here, a hidden piece of imageinformation can result.

The dimensions of the information-bearing image patterns of the imagemotif formed by the first microinformation regions 60, here the numeral“4”, are, according to the present invention, significantly below theresolution limit of the human eye. The numeral “4” thus constitutes apiece of information that is hidden within the motif image and that canbe detected, for example, with a microscope or another magnificationdevice. The magnified appearance is shown schematically in FIG. 6( c).If the dimension of the cells 64 of the motif image is, for example, 30μm×30 μm, then the numeral “4” of the first microinformation regions 60extends across a region having a width of 5×30 μm=150 μm and a height of9×30 μm=270 μm . Here, the dimensions of the information-bearing imagepatterns, in the exemplary embodiment the line widths of the patternsthat form the numeral, are between approximately 1/10 and ⅓ of theheight of the numeral, so between about 27 μm and about 90 μm, such thatthe numeral “4” is not resolvable with the naked eye.

In a variant that is not shown here, the first and secondmicroinformation regions 60 and 62 are, rather than in the shape of thenumeral “4” or of the surrounding region of the numeral, as is depictedin the section shown in FIG. 6, developed in the shape of a numericstring including multiple numerals, for example “1 2 3 4”, or of theregions surrounding the individual numerals. Also this embodiment of themicroinformation regions 60, 62 can repeat periodically or in irregularsequence, as appropriate, within the motif image.

Since the two partial motif grids 56 and 58 of the micromotif elementsexhibit the same screening U and no phase jumps occur at the transitionbetween the first and second microinformation regions 60, 62, themicromotif elements 52, 54 in the combined motif image 66 are in thecorrect phase relationship, such that the moiré magnified partial targetimages 42, 44 complement each other to form the complete target image 40when viewed with the lens grid 48.

The relative intensity of the partial target images can be adjusted asdesired through the surface area ratio of the first and secondmicroinformation regions 60, 62. If the same brightness of the partialtarget images is to be achieved despite different surface areadistributions, then the role of the first and second microinformationregions can be interchanged periodically. For example, the firstmicroinformation regions 60 can be filled alternatingly with first 52and second micromotif elements 54, and the second microinformationregions 62 accordingly filled alternatingly with second 54 and firstmicromotif elements 52, such that, overall, identical surface areaproportions result for the first and second micromotif elements. It ispossible to achieve the same result, for example, also in that the roleinterchange of the first and second microinformation regions occursstatistically over the surface area of the motif image.

The split of the motif image into first and second microinformationregions need not follow the orientation of the motif image cells, butinstead is independent of the cell subdivision of the motif image. Forthis, FIG. 7 shows, in (a), a split of the motif image into firstmicroinformation regions 70 and second microinformation regions 72, thefirst microinformation regions 70 depicting the letter “S”, while thesecond microinformation regions 72 form the surrounding region of theletter. Here, too, the arrangement of the microinformation regionsoutside of the section shown in (a) can repeat regularly or also inirregular sequence such that a plurality of first and secondmicroinformation regions 70, 72 is distributed over the area of themotif image.

To obtain a single, complete motif image, the horizontal micromotifelements 54 of the partial motif grid 58 are arranged in the firstmicroinformation regions 70, while the vertical micromotif elements 52of the partial motif grid 56 are arranged in the second microinformationregions 72.

FIG. 7( b) shows schematically how the micromotif elements 52, 54, againfilled differently for clarification, are arranged in the first andsecond microinformation regions 70, 72. In contrast to the embodiment inFIG. 6, in which the contour of the microinformation regions 60, 62followed the cell boundaries, the arbitrarily developed contours of themicroinformation regions 70, 72 intersect the cell boundaries, such thatonly portions of some cells are transferred to the microinformationregions 70, 72. FIG. 7( c) shows how the finished motif image 76 appearswithout the additional highlightings of the different regions.

Also in the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 7, the dimensions of thepatterns of the letter “S” formed by the first microinformation regions70 are significantly below the resolution limit of the human eye. Saidletter thus constitutes a piece of information that is hidden within themotif image and whose presence can be detected with a microscope oranother magnification device (FIG. 7( c)). If the dimension of the cellsof the motif image is, for example, 30 μm×30 μm, then the letter “S” inFIG. 7( c) exhibits a width of 230 μm and a height of 300 μm. Thedimensions of the patterns that form the letter, that is, the linewidths, which are approximately 1/10 to ⅓ the height of the letter, arethus between about 30 μm and about 100 μm. Also the letter “S” is thusnot resolvable with the naked eye.

Since the two partial motif grids 56 and 58 of the micromotif elementsexhibit the same screening U and no phase jumps occur at the transitionbetween the first and second microinformation regions 70, 72, themicromotif elements 52, 54 in the combined motif image 76 are in thecorrect phase relationship, such that the moiré magnified partial targetimages 42, 44 complement each other to form the complete target image 40when viewed with the lens grid 48. It is understood that, here, too, therelative intensity of the partial target images can be adjusted asdesired through the surface area ratio of the first and secondmicroinformation regions. It is also possible to influence the relativeintensity of the partial target images through the density of themicromotif elements 52, 54 in the first and second microinformationregions 70, 72, for example in that a portion of the micromotif elementsis omitted in one of the microinformation regions

In an alternative embodiment, the image motifs formed by the first andsecond microinformation regions can change over the surface area of themotif image. For example, in a first areal region, the firstmicroinformation regions are, as shown in FIG. 7, developed in the shapeof the letter “S”, and the second microinformation regions by the regionsurrounding the letter, while in a second areal region of the motifimage, the first microinformation regions are developed in the shape ofa logo, and the second microinformation regions by the regionsurrounding the logo. In this way, it is possible to provide in themotif image, with the same visual appearance of the depicted targetimage, multiple different codes that are non-visible with the naked eye.

Instead of a simple numeral or a letter, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 forillustration, the microinformation regions can generally exhibit anarbitrary shape and, for example, also depict symbols, lettering, entiretexts, objects of any kind, plants, animals or also people.

For example, the first microinformation regions can be developed in theshape of the individual “black” letters of a text, while the “white”spaces of the text surrounding the letters form the secondmicroinformation regions. Here, the underlying text side is scaled downto the extent that the height of the letters is less than 300 μm in eachcase. Since the line width of the letters or numerals, depending on thefont, is approximately 1/10 to ⅓ of the letter height, so is betweenabout 30 μm and about 100 μm, the text is not readable with the nakedeye. “White” and “black” regions lie next to each other, not resolvablefor the naked eye.

In another variant, the first and second microinformation regions can bedeveloped in the form of an image of arbitrary size, for example aportrait, that is formed by a whole of pixels or lines, for example inthe form of a line drawing.

Particularly when the target image is split into more than two partialimages, the microinformation regions can also include mapped regionscomposed of more than one partial target image and differ by thedifferent combination of mapped regions. If the target image is split,for example, into three partial target images T1, T2 and T3, then afirst microinformation region M1 could include mapped regions of thepartial target images T1 and T2, a second microinformation region M2,mapped regions of the partial target images T2 and T3, a thirdmicroinformation region M3, mapped regions of the partial target imagesT1 and T3, and a fourth microinformation region M4, mapped regions onlyof the partial target image T1.

Due to the different filling with partial target images, themicroinformation regions M1 to M4 can be distinguished when viewed witha microscope. When viewed without auxiliary means, in contrast, due tothe phase relationship that is always present as a result of theconstruction, and to the identical screening U, the partial targetimages combine for the viewer to form a complete target image. Themicroinformation regions thus form, also here, a hidden piece of imageinformation within the motif image. It is understood that the relativeintensity of the partial target images can be adjusted as desiredthrough the proportion of the partial target images in the mappedregions of the microinformation regions.

Even if the principle according to the present invention was explainedwith reference to moiré magnification arrangements, it is not limited toapplication in magnification arrangements having a moiré effect. Rather,also the target images from micro-optical moiré-type magnificationarrangements or from modulo magnification arrangements can be brokendown accordingly into partial target images.

Mathematically, it is possible to describe the split and encoding of amotif image through multiplication of the partial-motif image functionswith characteristic functions for the microinformation regions:

Using the terminology explained in greater detail in applicationPCT/EP2008/005172 to describe modulo-magnification arrangements, here, aspecified target image is described by an image function f(x,y) that canspecify a brightness distribution (grayscale image), a colordistribution (color image), a binary distribution (line drawing) or alsoother image properties, such as transparency, reflectivity, density orthe like. In the exemplary embodiments in FIGS. 4 to 7, the imagefunction f(x,y) describes, for example, the brightness distribution ofthe cross motif 40 shown in FIG. 4( a).

This target image f(x,y) is split into n partial motifs f_(i)(x,y) withn ≧2, such that

f(x,y)=f ₁(x,y)+f ₂(x,y)+. . . +f _(n)(x,y)

applies. In the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 4 to 7, the target image40 is split into n=2 partial target images 42 and 44, the imagefunctions f₁ and f₂ describing the brightness distributions of thepartial target images 42 and 44 shown in FIG. 4( b).

For two partial target images f₁ and f_(2,) the associated partial motifimage functions hi and h₂ of a modulo magnification arrangement resultin

${h_{1}\begin{pmatrix}x \\y\end{pmatrix}} = \left( {f_{1}\left( {\begin{pmatrix}x \\y\end{pmatrix} + {\left( {A - I} \right) \cdot \left( {{\begin{pmatrix}x \\y\end{pmatrix}{mod}\; W} - {W \cdot \begin{pmatrix}c_{1} \\c_{2}\end{pmatrix}}} \right)}} \right)} \right)$ and ${h_{2}\begin{pmatrix}x \\y\end{pmatrix}} = \left( {f_{2}\left( {\begin{pmatrix}x \\y\end{pmatrix} + {\left( {A - I} \right) \cdot \left( {{\begin{pmatrix}x \\y\end{pmatrix}{mod}\; W} - {W \cdot \begin{pmatrix}c_{1} \\c_{2}\end{pmatrix}}} \right)}} \right)} \right)$

wherein the matrix A describes a desired magnification and movementbehavior of the depicted target image when the security element istilted laterally and vertically, I is the 2×2 identity matrix, W refersto the lens grid matrix, and the vector (c₁, c₂) with 0≦c₁,c₂<1specifies the relative position of the center of the lenses 22 (FIG. 2)within the cells of the motif image. The modulo operation s mod W, as anatural expansion of the usual scalar modulo operation, constitutes areduction of a vector s to the fundamental mesh of the lattice describedby a matrix W, so describes the “phase” of the vectors s within thelattice W. For a more precise explanation of the meaning of theindividual terms and the generalization to location-dependent variables,reference is made to international application PCT/EP2008/005172, thedisclosure of which is incorporated in the present application byreference.

In the exemplary embodiments in FIGS. 4 to 7, the partial motif imagefunctions hi and h₂ describe precisely the arrangements 56 and 58depicted in FIG. 5( a) and (b). In a general modulo magnificationarrangement, the partial motif image functions need not be composed ofperiodically repeated individual motifs, but rather can also constitutemapped sub-regions of a complex individual target image.

The split of the image motif into microinformation regions is nowperformed by characteristic functions g_(i)(x,y), where i=1,2, . . . n,that specify whether the partial-motif image function h_(i) contributesto the complete motif image m(x,y) at the locus (x,y). In the case oftwo partial motifs, the characteristic functions are, for example, givenby

${g_{1}\begin{pmatrix}x \\y\end{pmatrix}} = \left\lbrack {{\begin{matrix}1 & {{for}\mspace{14mu} {areal}\mspace{14mu} {elements}\mspace{14mu} {having}\mspace{14mu} {partial}\mspace{14mu} {motif}\mspace{14mu} f_{1}} \\0 & {otherwise}\end{matrix}{g_{2}\begin{pmatrix}x \\y\end{pmatrix}}} = {1 - {g_{1}\begin{pmatrix}x \\y\end{pmatrix}}}} \right.$

wherein g₁ describes, in the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 6, theperiodic or in irregular sequence repeating of the numeral “4”, in theexemplary embodiment in FIG. 7, the periodic or in irregular sequencerepeating of the letter “S”. It is understood that the function g₁ can,as described above, also describe a numeric string, a text of arbitrarylength, or an image of arbitrary size, that can, if appropriate, repeatperiodically or in irregular sequence.

The complete motif image m(x,y) then results in

${{m\left( {x,y} \right)} = {{{h_{1}\begin{pmatrix}x \\y\end{pmatrix}} \cdot {g_{1}\begin{pmatrix}x \\y\end{pmatrix}}} + {{h_{2}\begin{pmatrix}x \\y\end{pmatrix}} \cdot {g_{2}\begin{pmatrix}x \\y\end{pmatrix}}}}},$

so constitutes a superimposition of the partial-motif image function h₁in regions in which g₁ is not equal to zero, and of the partial motifimage function h₂ in the other regions, as shown, for example, as themotif image 66 in FIG. 6( c) or as the motif image 76 in FIG. 7( c).

In the exemplary embodiment addressed further above, in which a targetmotif is broken down into three partial motifs T1, T2 and T3, similarly,three partial motif images h_(1,) h₂ and h₃ result. To produce themicroinformation regions M1 to M4, the characteristic functions can bechosen as follows:

${g_{1}\begin{pmatrix}x \\y\end{pmatrix}} = \left\lbrack {{\begin{matrix}1 & {{{if}\mspace{14mu} \left( {x,y} \right)\mspace{14mu} {is}\mspace{14mu} {in}\mspace{14mu} M\; 1},{M\; 3\mspace{14mu} {or}\mspace{14mu} M\; 4}} \\0 & {otherwise}\end{matrix}{g_{2}\begin{pmatrix}x \\y\end{pmatrix}}} = \left\lbrack {{\begin{matrix}1 & {{if}\mspace{14mu} \left( {x,y} \right)\mspace{14mu} {is}\mspace{14mu} {in}\mspace{14mu} M\; 1\mspace{14mu} {or}\mspace{14mu} M\; 2} \\0 & {otherwise}\end{matrix}{g_{3}\begin{pmatrix}x \\y\end{pmatrix}}} = \left\lbrack \begin{matrix}1 & {{if}\mspace{14mu} \left( {x,y} \right)\mspace{14mu} {is}\mspace{14mu} {in}\mspace{14mu} M\; 2\mspace{14mu} {or}\mspace{14mu} M\; 3} \\0 & {otherwise}\end{matrix} \right.} \right.} \right.$

In the complete motif image

${m\left( {x,y} \right)} = {{{h_{1}\begin{pmatrix}x \\y\end{pmatrix}} \cdot {g_{1}\begin{pmatrix}x \\y\end{pmatrix}}} + {{h_{2}\begin{pmatrix}x \\y\end{pmatrix}} \cdot {g_{2}\begin{pmatrix}x \\y\end{pmatrix}}} + {{h_{3}\begin{pmatrix}x \\y\end{pmatrix}} \cdot \begin{pmatrix}x \\y\end{pmatrix}}}$

then precisely the above-described combinations of partial target imagesresult in the microinformation regions M1 to M4 (M1 includes mappedregions of the partial target images T1 and T2, M2 includes mappedregions of the partial target images T2 and T3, M3 includes mappedregions of the partial target images T1 and T3 and M4 includes mappedregions of the partial target images T1).

1. A depiction arrangement for security papers, value documents,electronic display devices or other data carriers, having a grid imagearrangement for depicting a target image that is broken down into two ormore partial target images, having a motif image that is subdivided intoa plurality of periodically or at least locally periodically arrangedcells in each of which are arranged mapped regions of one or more of thepartial target images, a viewing grid composed of a plurality of viewinggrid elements for viewing the motif image with the viewing grid, whereinthe viewing grid, when the motif image is viewed, reconstructs thecomplete target image from the mapped regions arranged in the cells, themotif image being, independently of the cell subdivision, split into atleast first and second microinformation regions in which the cells eachinclude different combinations of mapped regions of the partial targetimages, and the microinformation regions being arranged in the shape ofspecified image motifs that exhibit information-bearing image patternswhose dimensions are below the resolution limit of the human eye.
 2. Thedepiction arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that themicroinformation regions each extend across multiple cells of the motifimage.
 3. The depiction arrangement according to claim 1, characterizedin that the microinformation regions at least partially intersect thecell boundaries of the motif image cells.
 4. The depiction arrangementaccording to claim 1, characterized in that the information-bearingimage patterns exhibit dimensions that are below about 100 μm.
 5. Thedepiction arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that theinformation-bearing image patterns are present in the form of pixels orlines.
 6. The depiction arrangement according to claim 1, characterizedin that the microinformation regions are arranged in the form ofalphanumeric characters, an alphanumeric character string or a logo. 7.The depiction arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe image motifs of the microinformation regions repeat periodically orin irregular sequence within the motif image.
 8. The depictionarrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the first andsecond microinformation regions each arranged in different specifiedregions within the motif image differ from each other, such that theimage motifs of the respective microinformation regions change over theexpanse of the motif image.
 9. The depiction arrangement according toclaim 1, characterized in that the cells of the motif image each includemapped regions of only one of the partial target images, and the firstand second microinformation regions include mapped regions of differentpartial target images.
 10. The depiction arrangement according to claim1, characterized in that the depiction arrangement constitutes a moirémagnification arrangement in which the mapped regions of the cells ofthe motif image each constitute scaled-down images of the partial targetimages, which are completely accommodated within one cell.
 11. Thedepiction arrangement according to claim 10, characterized in that thearrangement of cells of the motif image and/or the viewing grid, in itsperiodic or at least locally periodic regions, exhibits no axis ofsymmetry in the plane of the arrangement or of the grid.
 12. Thedepiction arrangement according to claim 10, characterized in that, upontilting the depiction arrangement, the complete target image moves in aspecified direction that, with the tilt direction, encloses an angle ynot equal to 0° and not equal to 90°.
 13. The depiction arrangementaccording to claim 10, characterized in that the arrangement of cells ofthe motif image and the viewing grid form dissimilar lattices that arecoordinated with each other such that, upon tilting the depictionarrangement, an orthoparallactic movement effect of the complete targetimage occurs.
 14. The depiction arrangement according to claim 1,characterized in that the depiction arrangement constitutes amicro-optical moiré-type magnification arrangement in which the mappedregions of multiple spaced-apart cells of the motif image constitute ineach case, taken together, a scaled-down image of one of the partialtarget images, whose dimension is larger than one cell of the motifimage.
 15. The depiction arrangement according to claim 1, characterizedin that the depiction arrangement constitutes a modulo magnificationarrangement in which the mapped regions of the cells of the motif imageeach constitute non-complete sections, that are mapped by a modulooperation, of one or more of the partial target images.
 16. Thedepiction arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that theperiodicity length or the local periodicity length of the viewing gridand/or the periodicity length or the local periodicity length of thecells of the motif image is between 3 μm and 50 μm, preferably between 5μm and 30 μm, particularly preferably between about 10 μm and about 20μm.
 17. The depiction arrangement according to claim 1, characterized inthat the viewing elements are formed by non-cylindrical microlenses orconcave microreflectors, especially by microlenses or concavemicroreflectors having a circular or polygonally delimited base area.18. The depiction arrangement according to claim 1, characterized inthat the viewing elements are formed by elongated cylindrical lenses orconcave cylindrical reflectors whose dimension in the longitudinaldirection measures more than 250 μm, preferably more than 300 μm,particularly preferably more than 500 μm and especially more than 1 mm.19. The depiction arrangement according to claim 1, characterized inthat the viewing elements are formed by circular apertures, slitapertures, circular or slit apertures provided with reflectors,aspherical lenses, Fresnel lenses, GRIN (Gradient Refractive Index)lenses, zone plates, holographic lenses, concave reflectors, Fresnelreflectors, zone reflectors or other elements having a focusing or alsomasking effect.
 20. The depiction arrangement according to claim 1,characterized in that the viewing grid and the motif image are firmlyjoined together to form a security element having a stacked,spaced-apart viewing grid and motif image, especially in that the motifimage and the viewing grid are arranged at opposing surfaces of anoptical spacing layer.
 21. The depiction arrangement according to claim1, characterized in that the viewing grid and the motif image arearranged at different positions of a data carrier such that the viewinggrid and the motif image are stackable for self-authentication and, inthe stacked state, form a security element.
 22. The depictionarrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the motif imageis displayed by an electronic display device, and the viewing grid forviewing the displayed motif image is firmly joined with the electronicdisplay device.
 23. The depiction arrangement according to claim 1,characterized in that the motif image is displayed by an electronicdisplay device, and in that the viewing grid, as a separate viewing gridfor viewing the displayed motif image, is bringable onto or in front ofthe electronic display device.
 24. The depiction arrangement accordingto claim 1, characterized in that the grid image arrangement fordepicting the target image that is broken down into two or more partialtarget images is combined with at least one further grid imagearrangement for depicting the target image that is not broken down intopartial target images.
 25. A method for manufacturing a depictionarrangement, in which a target image to be depicted is broken down intotwo or more partial target images, in a motif plane, a motif image isproduced that is subdivided into a plurality of periodically or at leastlocally periodically arranged cells in each of which are arranged mappedregions of one or more of the partial target images, a viewing gridcomposed of a plurality of viewing grid elements for viewing the motifimage with the viewing grid is produced, wherein the viewing grid, whenthe motif image is viewed, reconstructs the complete target image fromthe mapped regions arranged in the cells, the motif image being,independently of the cell subdivision, split into at least first andsecond microinformation regions in which the cells are each filled withdifferent combinations of mapped regions of the partial target images,and the microinformation regions being arranged in the shape ofspecified image motifs that exhibit information-bearing image patternswhose dimensions are below the resolution limit of the human eye. 26.The method according to claim 25, characterized in that the viewing gridand the motif image are firmly joined together to form a securityelement having a stacked, spaced-apart viewing grid and motif image. 27.The method according to claim 25, characterized in that the viewing gridand the motif image are arranged at different positions of a datacarrier such that the viewing grid and the motif image are stackable forself-authentication, and, in the stacked state, form a security element.28. A security paper for manufacturing security or value documents, suchas banknotes, checks, identification cards, certificates or the like,having the depiction arrangement according to claim
 1. 29. A datacarrier, especially a branded article, value document, decorativearticle or the like, having the depiction arrangement according toclaim
 1. 30. An electronic display arrangement having an electronicdisplay device, especially a computer or television screen, a controldevice and the depiction arrangement according to claim 1, the controldevice being designed and set up to display the motif image of thedepiction arrangement on the electronic display device.